1. to make slightly wet or moist
2. to reduce the intensity, force, or enthusiasm of something

Examples

• She dampens the cloth before wiping the table.
• The rain dampens the ground but doesn’t soak it completely.
• Bad weather dampens our plans for the picnic.
• The criticism dampens his enthusiasm for the project.
• Nothing dampens her spirit when she’s determined.
• The news dampens the mood at the celebration.
• He dampens the fire with a spray bottle.